Kids' hat-trick bid

English Barclays Premiership

Our Under-17s aim to make it three out of three at the start of the FA Premier Academy League season at Bristol City on Saturday.

Manager Jimmy Neighbour's team have started the campaign in fine style with wins against Leeds United and Crewe - all this despite a series of injuries and disruptions.

However, the positive news has been the performances of younger players drafted into the team with the likes of goalkeeper Paul Rutherford, David Tyree and James Slabber all coping well.

Academy coach Michael Stone, pictured right, said: "It's been a great start to the season. We've had to bring a lot of younger players through and they've all adapted well. We couldn't have asked for more."

Meanwhile, Saturday's Under-19 derby against Arsenal has been rescheduled for Tuesday September 12 (2pm) at Spurs Lodge after international call-ups for Benb Bowditch, Jon Jonsson and Jonatan Partin.